Building the Bridge [IMPORT]

REO Speedwagon

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 9, 1996)
• Original Release Date: July 9, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Ziriguiboom Brasil
• ASIN: B000006JQ0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #125,582 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Major Disappointment, August 25, 2003

By A Customer

Being a long time fan of REO Speedwagon, both newer and older releases, Building the Bridge is a major disappointment and possibly the worst album REO has ever released. Of the 11 songs on the album, only two are any good, When I Get Home and After Tonight. When I Get Home is a mid-tempo rocker, and After Tonight is a beautiful, almost haunting ballad that ranks among the best songs REO has ever recorded. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is pretty bad. The opening track, Can't Stop Rockin', is about as hard-rock as REO gets nowadays. Unfortunately, the song isn't nearly as good as the title suggests. Most of the songs are bland ballads that don't go anywhere. I won't bother listing them here, because even after repeated listenings, it's hard to tell one apart from the next. They all sort of blend in together. Hey Wait a Minute, one of the few songs that isn't a ballad, is truly annoying. It's almost impossible to listen to this song without reaching for the Skip button. Lyrically, the subject matter is about as uninspiring as the music. Witness this chestnut from One True Man: "I am your one true man/Your one true man I am/I'm going to love you like no one man can/Your one true man, I am". Pretty deep stuff, huh? The final track is a song Kevin wrote way back in 1969. While it's interesting for its historical value, and demonstrates how much Kevin's songwriting has changed over the years, it also shows how desperate a songwriter is when they have to go back 27 years in search of new material. Even the liner notes don't make much sense: "It is a bridge between the old REO and the new REO". If they're referring to the line-up changes (guitarist Gary Richrath and drummer Alan Gratzer are gone), that would be the previous album. What makes this title even more tragic is that REO had *six* years to make this album. You would hope that after six years, they would have been able to come up with more than just two decent songs. Sadly, they didn't. I only recommend Building the Bridge for hard core REO fans, and collectors who absolutely must have every album REO has ever released. For everyone else, stay away. If you're looking for 'newer' REO albums, The Earth, A Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken is much better.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REO'S BEST ALL AROUND CD., December 2, 1999

By A Customer

I can honestly say that I loved this CD the first time I heard it. You can tell that Kevin Cronin's heart was in writing this. Great music (guitar work) and Great lyrics. I like all types of music... but if today's generation wants to grow, they need to listen to the talent of the "older" bands. REO has progressed their music to where they want to be. Not to where the industry pushes them. Please listen to this CD and don't try to think of it as a 70's band. Think of it as an inspiring and uplifting group of guys with honesty and clean lyrics. Kevin....KEEP IT UP! Chuck

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Burning the bridge, August 26, 2006

By	Anthony Vera - See all my reviews

I had seen REO in '96 and I was excited to hear they had a new album coming out. Quickly, I envisioned the Good Ol' REO sound of classic albums like "Tuna", "Nine Lives", and "Hi Infidelity". I couldnt wait to get the new album. However once I listened to "Building the Bridge", I was severely dissappointed. Boy, does this album scream suck! I mean, all the songs mesh together in one bland, adult-oriented pop, lackluster effort. Where are the catchy choruses? Where's the fun? Where's the energy? Where's the signature guitar licks? (Oh yeah, thats right...the energy of the Band died when Gary Richrath and Alan Gratzer left).Im not gonna mention the songs because its just a waste of time. Stick with the classic REO.